Lion Trail "Heroes' Tour" — The Crowning Stage of the Lion Trails

The hike begins at the hiking parking lot near the Pieta in Lauterstein-Nenningen and leads past the village church along a road with little traffic, gradually ascending to the Landgasthof Heldenberg. The trail continues along the edge of the forest, offering beautiful views of Nenningen, before heading further into the woods below the Heldenberg. After a short stretch through the forest, you’ll reach juniper heaths typical of the Jura Plateau, with views toward Winzingen. The trail continues toward a large wooden cross just before the Bloßenberg, where there are benches for resting, and then on through a protected pasture forest. Please take special care here not to stray from the marked trail. Shortly afterward, you’ll reach the trail junction leading up to the Schwarzhornhaus with its natural climbing area. A short detour is definitely worth it.

The trail continues to the idyllically situated Reiterles Chapel and then steeply uphill toward Kaltem Feld. Once you’ve made it up the climb, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Christental valley and the Reiterles Chapel. Not far away is the Kalte Feld with the well-known Franz-Keller-Haus, which invites you to take a break and stop for refreshments. The route then continues along narrow, flat paths through forests and meadows before following gently sloping trails that run along the edge of the Albtrauf escarpment. You’ll pass the ski jumps at Degenfeld and, after another short climb, reach the first viewpoint on the Galgenberg, which features comfortable benches. The view stretches across the wide-open Lautertal Valley all the way to the Filstal Valley and the imposing Albtrauf escarpment. Just a few minutes away is the second viewpoint with a summit cross. The trail continues along the edge toward the Kreuzberghütte, where the path winds down a short, steep flight of steps toward Degenfeld.

You pass through the tranquil little village and then begin another, more leisurely ascent through the Schweintal valley, passing through dark fir forests and over damp, moss-covered forest floors, up to the Lützelalb.  Across meadows and past farmsteads, the trail descends again toward Weißenstein. This idyllic little village is nestled in the narrow Lautertal valley and boasts the impressive Weißenstein Castle, perched on the hillside. Before reaching the castle via several steps, it’s a good idea to stop for a bite to eat and a rest at the traditional Linde Inn right in the village. If you have time, you can also visit the Museum of Microphotography located inside the castle. However, advance registration is required.

Passing directly by the castle, the trail zigzags upward through impressive, unspoiled beech forests to the Albtrauf and then continues along the ridge until the descent above Nenningen. Along the way, you’ll pass several small overlooks offering views down into the valley, with the long, stretching Alb plateau to your side. The route then descends along wide forest trails back to the tour’s starting point, the parking lot at the Nenninger Pieta.

Non-slip footwear is recommended.

Sure-footedness, good physical condition, and a head for heights on some ledge sections are required to complete this hike.

It is also possible to split the hike into two shorter day hikes.

From Stuttgart or Ulm, take the B10 to the Süßen exit. Then continue on the B466 toward Heidenheim until you reach Lauterstein-Nenningen.

The starting point of the tour is located shortly after entering the town on the right-hand side at the Nenninger Pieta parking lot.

Directions to the starting point via Google Maps

In Süßen, there are connections to the Filstalbahn’s MEX trains on the Stuttgart–Ulm route (MEX and RE trains in Göppingen). From the Süßen Central Bus Station (ZOB), take bus line 972 to the “Nenningen Kirche” stop. It’s about a 2-minute walk from the bus stop to the trailhead parking lot near the Pieta in Lauterstein-Nenningen.

You can find the district schedule at:www.vvs.de/fahrplan 

Parking lot at the Pieta in Lauterstein-Nenningen.

Additional parking options at alternative entry points include:

Parking lot just outside Weißenstein Castle in Lauterstein-Weißenstein Parking lot at the sports hall in Degenfeld Hiking parking lot below the Heldenberg country inn

Respectful Coexistence in the Göppingen District.

Code of Conduct:

Respect trail closures and the quiet zones established in the recreational trail plan. Leave no trace behind, such as trash or animal waste; treat the trails with care. Be proactive and considerate. Adapt your behavior to the situation at hand. Safety comes first. Respect other users of the woods and open fields. Be considerate of animals and plants. Plan ahead and make the most of daylight. Try to avoid the morning and evening twilight hours. Observe the ban on entering agricultural land during the growing season. Stay on marked trails and avoid forest edges; this helps wildlife get used to people.

For more information, visit ruecksicht-macht-wege-breiter.de

A Visit to the World-Famous Pietà in Nenningen:

World-class art at the foot of the Alb—the small cemetery chapel in Nenningen houses a treasure that is the envy of many international museums. This unique ensemble, featuring the Pietà by the famous Bavarian court sculptor Franz Ignaz Günther, was created after the famine of 1772. Only when viewed together do the chapel and the Pietà reveal their full impact. For those seeking comfort, the Lamentation of Mary offers solace; for art connoisseurs, this work—which has already been exhibited in London, Paris, and Brussels—represents both the pinnacle and the culmination of South German Rococo.

A detour to Weißenstein Castle with its Museum of Microphotography:

Since 1971, the castle—with its magnificent views of the Albtrauf—has been owned by the Kage family and is known worldwide as a stronghold of microphotography.

It is home to the family-owned company “KAGE Microphotography” and the unique museum “KAGE’s Microversum,” which the Kage family opens to visitor groups by appointment and to individuals during special guided tours. On a unique journey, visitors can venture into new worlds of sight and experience fantastic microcosms.